What was Racist about Splash Mountain?
Disneyland, a place of magic and wonder, has been a staple in the hearts of families for generations. However, one of its attractions, Splash Mountain, has been at the center of controversy due to its alleged racism. This article aims to delve into what was racist about Splash Mountain and why it sparked such a heated debate.
Disney’s Splash Mountain is a log flume ride that takes guests on a journey through the story of Brer Rabbit, a character from the Uncle Remus tales. The ride is set in the Deep South during the 1800s, and it features a cast of characters that are based on African American stereotypes. The racism in Splash Mountain is evident in several aspects of the ride, including the characters, the setting, and the portrayal of African American culture.
One of the most controversial aspects of Splash Mountain is the character Brer Rabbit himself. Brer Rabbit is depicted as a cunning and deceitful character who often gets into trouble but always manages to outsmart his enemies. This portrayal perpetuates the stereotype of African Americans as lazy and unintelligent. Additionally, the other characters in the ride, such as Brer Fox and Brer Bear, are also based on negative stereotypes, further reinforcing the message that African Americans are not to be taken seriously.
The setting of Splash Mountain also contributes to its racism. The ride is set in the Deep South during the 1800s, a time when slavery was still in effect. The portrayal of African Americans in this setting is limited to stereotypes and does not reflect the diversity and complexity of the African American experience during that time.
Moreover, the portrayal of African American culture in Splash Mountain is also problematic. The ride features African American characters singing and dancing in a manner that is reminiscent of minstrel shows, which were a form of entertainment that perpetuated negative stereotypes of African Americans. This portrayal is not only offensive but also historically inaccurate.
The controversy surrounding Splash Mountain reached a boiling point in 2016 when Disney announced that it would be reimagining the ride to remove the negative stereotypes. This decision was met with both praise and criticism, with some people arguing that the ride should be preserved as a part of history while others believed that it was necessary to remove the racism.
In conclusion, what was racist about Splash Mountain was its portrayal of African American stereotypes, the setting, and the portrayal of African American culture. While some may argue that the ride is a part of history, it is important to recognize that perpetuating negative stereotypes is harmful and unacceptable. Disney’s decision to reimagine the ride is a step in the right direction, but it is crucial to continue addressing and confronting racism in all its forms.
Comments from the Web:
1. “I always thought Splash Mountain was just a fun ride. I had no idea it was so offensive.”
2. “It’s sad that something so innocent could be so harmful. Disney needs to do better.”
3. “I think they should have left it as a historical piece, but I understand why they changed it.”
4. “It’s good to see Disney taking responsibility and making changes.”
5. “I’m glad they’re removing the stereotypes, but I wish they had done it sooner.”
6. “I don’t think it’s right to judge a ride based on its characters. It’s just a ride.”
7. “It’s important to learn from our mistakes and move forward.”
8. “I remember riding Splash Mountain as a kid and loving it. I had no idea it was so controversial.”
9. “Disney should have been more sensitive to the issue from the start.”
10. “I think the ride should have been reimagined in a way that celebrates African American culture.”
11. “It’s a shame that something so beloved had to be changed, but it was the right decision.”
12. “I’m glad they’re making changes, but I hope they don’t erase all the history.”
13. “I understand why people are upset, but I think it’s important to look at the bigger picture.”
14. “It’s good to see that Disney is listening to its customers and making changes.”
15. “I think the ride should have been reimagined with more diverse characters.”
16. “I hope this is a sign that Disney will continue to make positive changes.”
17. “It’s important to recognize that racism is still a problem in our society.”
18. “I’m glad they’re taking steps to address the issue, but there’s still a long way to go.”
19. “It’s good to see that Disney is willing to make changes, but they need to do more.”
20. “I think this is a great example of how we can learn from our mistakes and make things better.
